For further details see: 
​University of Essex webpage

John Stamford

PhD Title: 
Using spectral signatures as a toolbox for determining crop health status

The ability to measure crop biomass, photosynthetic performance, water status, and other aspects of plant health and physiology, allows for a greater insight into crop performance. Understanding the optimal conditions for crop growth, through better irrigation, fertilization, and other factors, has significant effects on yield. Early detection of environmental stresses on crops is crucial and allows for remedial action to be taken earlier.

• One way to detect and measure performance and stresses in crops is through the use of spectral signatures. Reflected visible and near-infrared light from a leaf reveals information regarding chlorophyll concentration, water status, disease and biomass.
• Thermal imaging and fluorescence techniques allow for direct measurements of photosynthetic performance and stomatal conductance.
• The aim of the project is to use known and novel spectral and plant physiological techniques, to develop a new spectral signature “toolbox”, that can identify and measure crop performance and plant health status.​

Current Work

• Understanding the effect of physiology on leaf spectral reflectance
• Thermography to remotely measure stomatal conductance
• The use of combined measurements (of reflectance, thermography and chlorophyll fluorescence) to indicate and differentiate stressors